Fairy Guardian - Hal Ch22

 "What do you mean she said, Damien?" All of us, except the Queen and King, still in the lobby of the penthouse. Wanting to put my hands against Michael's throat again. Here Carson's dream guy, was The Shadow King. Are. You. Kidding me. Michael moves further away from me, feeling the threat coming off me, "I don't know. She was surprised to see him because she recognized him and said Damien." How did the bane of my existence get into her dreams? Did she call him there? Shadow King, aka Damien, said Carson brought him into her dreams. He could be lying. 

Shaking myself out mentally, closing my eyes for patience and clarity I needed, and regrouping. Plan formed in my head. Looking over to Draco, who was looking at my mother. Okay. Maybe I have been blind. "Draco,' in my boldest tone to get his eyes on me and not my mother. His eyes popped to me in surprise and giving him the look, Yes-I saw, 

"I need you to go and get the five leaders of the factions together for a council meeting." Draco makes his way back in the elevator. Hearing the elevator doors closing, my gaze reaching Vian, "Take our brother to Anna's house and watch him until I get there. And brings some extra guards with you, " Vian grabs Michael and flashes away. Pulling my mother into another hug, "Mom, I need you to get the King to come to the council meeting. He needs to be there to give his approval on any plans made." Looks up to me, "I got you." She moves down the hallway and disappears around the corner. 

Just me and my second in command, Talia, waiting for me to give her orders. She was always the one that would give it to me straight whatever the circumstance. Serious deep brown eyes look into mine. "Talia, how screwed are we?" Thinking of Shadow King coming into our land, kidnapping of Carson and Anna, and now treason by our own brother. Not looking very good for our Royal House.

"Well, dear brother, I would say we can manage but by the looks of you. Are you able to think clearly and make the decisions that need to be done? Are you prepared to have possibly millions of fairies killed in a war over one woman? Yes, the Shadow King came here but he was invited. As mean of the treaty, he was in compliance," her teachers tone grated on my nerves. Nothing she was saying was not the truth. No room for illusions. 

"How many forces can we muster right now?" Talia had led our miliary forces since I took over responsibility of running everything in our realm. She was not someone you would want to meet in one and one combat. You would lose. Death would follow. Looks up to the ceiling and that back at me in a not easy to read composure, "One million forces worldwide. Five hundred thousand here alone. 50 Elite fighters, and me." She did not need to brag. Talia alone could fight one soldiers by herself. 

"That being said Hall, Shadow King has forces within our ranks. Some soldiers of ours frequent his clubs. I have some spies in his camp right now," stomach clenching with her words. Anger and bitterness at the lack of pride in a true fairy to seek out a draining tank. Disgust written on my face. How can anyone want to even harbor a risk to there magic? Having lost my magic, I would never give it away freely. 

"I could call in Imogen?" Hope sparked in my heart. Someone could get me information on where he has her and what is exactly his plan. Turning my back on her, getting my thoughts together, "Yes, but wait a couple of days until we know she can leave undetected." He has her. Might at this very minute showing touching her. Nope. Not going there. Focus and get your woman back.

"I need her Tal. I have never asked anything from you. Help me get her back," spoken almost a secret not wanting to reveal any weakness but I trust her with my life. Hands come down on my shoulder, "I will do all in my power to bring the future Queen home." Straightening up my spine, takes her hands down, moment of softness is over. 

Doing an about-face to see her and what I am about to say, "I need you Talia to back me with whatever I have decided. War or no War." Tilts her long hair down to her left, "Was the even a questions big brother?" Smiling and letting the moment pass. We are not huggers or beat around the bush. "I need you to check in if there is a way to quickly scan all of our troops to see who a traitor among us is." 

"Ember. She would be perfect for this mission. Where is she? She came with Carson over her with her sister Lily," thinking out loud. Dawned on me like bullet to my chest, "Shadow King must have them to and dear brother forgot to mention that huge piece of information." Those twins are not just a staff member they are like family to me. I have taken care of them since they were little and arrived at the Royal Palace. Nothing better happened to them. Damien is already dead, but I will find a way to kill him twice. 

Before I could get more details of a plan, elevator doors open and one of my Elite personal soldiers walks over to me. Holds out her hands with a gray envelope with the seal of the Shadow King on it. 

Crack the seal, open the envelope, and unroll the official papers. I read it out loud.

'I have something you want, and you have something I want. Trade in three days. If I see one of your soldiers go anywhere near my lands she dies. Don't worry dear Prince, she is in very good hands. XoXo Shadow King.'

Papers burn with my blue fire. "What could be possibly have that he wants?" Talia moves her feet side to side and flush comes to her face. She does not get nervous. Full authority voice to her, "Talia, what do we have that the bastard wants?" Gives me a cocky stare and her full military defiant stance,

"His Sister!"